Ep 7. The Chop

The Brittas Empire was a British sitcom that ran from 1991 to 1997. It follows the chaotic and often absurd experiences of Gordon Brittas, the well-meaning but hopelessly incompetent manager of Whitbury Leisure Centre. In season 4, episode 7, titled "The Chop," Brittas finds himself facing a new challenge when the Centre introduces a new computer system.

At the start of the episode, Brittas is excited to show off the new computer system, which he believes will revolutionize the way the Centre operates. However, his enthusiasm quickly turns to panic when he realizes that he has no idea how to use the system. Despite his best efforts to figure it out, Brittas only succeeds in making a mess of things, accidentally deleting important files and causing chaos amongst the staff.

As the day progresses, Brittas becomes increasingly frazzled and paranoid, convinced that the computer is out to get him. He enlists the help of Colin, the Centre's resident technophobe, but even he is unable to make sense of the system. Meanwhile, the rest of the staff are struggling to adapt to the new technology, with disastrous results.

Things come to a head when a group of children arrive for a swimming lesson, only to find that their names have been accidentally deleted from the system. Brittas attempts to rectify the situation by manually inputting their details, but inadvertently causes a power outage that plunges the entire Leisure Centre into darkness.

With no other options left, Brittas resorts to his usual method of problem-solving: brute force. Armed with an axe, he embarks on a mission to destroy the computer once and for all. Chaos ensues as the staff try to stop him, but Brittas remains determined, convinced that he is saving the Centre from a dangerous and unpredictable new technology.

In the end, the computer is saved from destruction by an unlikely hero: Carole, the Centre's resident fitness instructor. Using her expertise in martial arts, she manages to disarm Brittas and defuse the situation. As the staff gather to celebrate the end of the crisis, Brittas is left to reflect on the lessons he has learned: that sometimes the best solution is not to force change, but to work with what you have.

Overall, "The Chop" is a hilarious and absurd episode that highlights the pitfalls of embracing new technology without sufficient knowledge or preparation. It is a testament to the wit and creativity of the show's writers, and a reminder of the enduring appeal of this classic British sitcom.